KINGSPORT — More than 120,000 Tennesseans and 140,000 Virginians age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease.

At the same time, there are more than 430,000 unpaid caregivers, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. As these numbers continue to rise, educational opportunities are vital to informing those who are facing a diagnosis.

Because of this, the Alzheimer’s Association invites Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia residents to a free caregiver conference next Wednesday at Model City Event Center.

Event details

The daylong conference begins at 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 1 and is open to those caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia.

Caregivers will have the opportunity to learn more about care resources that can be found in the Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia area.

What to expect

The conference will cover the basics of Alzheimer’s disease and current research findings, pharmacology, respite options and understanding and responding to difficult behaviors.

“Each month we try to bring in different topics and different speakers for attendees to enjoy,” said Tabitha Ebbert, manager of programs. “Our goal is that they will learn something new and helpful, connect with others and find new resources to assist them on their journey.”

Speakers

The speakers for this month’s event will be Roberto Fernandez, medical director of the Pat Summitt Clinic; Ronna New, geriatrician with Holston Medical Group; and Jennifer Abernathy, executive director of the Tennessee Respite Coalition.

Registration

There is no fee to attend the conference, but registration is required. Lunch is provided, as well as respite; anyone who needs to utilize the respite option will need to indicate so upon registration.